F1 | Franco Colapinto’s Alpine future remains uncertain as Flavio Briatore watches closely. Franco Colapinto faces an uncertain future at Alpine.

Franco Colapinto, currently in the spotlight with Alpine in Formula 1, is navigating a period of significant uncertainty regarding his future with the team. The Argentine driver, who joined mid-season replacing Jack Doohan, has shown flashes of competitiveness but also made costly mistakes, leaving Alpine’s management unconvinced about his consistency and readiness for a long-term seat.

Briatore’s guidance and team expectations

Franco Colapinto’s entry into the team came with clear directives from Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore: “Don’t crash, drive fast, and score points.” While seemingly straightforward, these instructions have proven challenging to follow under the immense pressure of Formula 1, where every mistake is magnified. So far, Colapinto has yet to secure points in the championship, and incidents such as his crash during qualifying at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix have weighed heavily on his evaluation.

Pressure and Colapinto’s perspective

In interviews with international media, Franco Colapinto has shown awareness of his situation while emphasizing focus on his performance on track. He explained that rumors and speculation are a constant in F1, but he tries not to let them distract him: “There have been many rumors, but I don’t pay too much attention to them. I’m used to it—it’s the same in Formula 1 or any other sport: athletes have to live with it. I try to focus race by race, on my own performance. The results are not what we want as a team, but I am fully focused on maximizing what I can do in the car. The rest will come.”

Regaining confidence and track familiarity

Franco Colapinto is also regaining confidence on tracks he already knows, having competed with Williams in 2024. This familiarity, he believes, can make a significant difference: “I know what to expect and the areas of the track that need more rotation or stability. It doesn’t mean I instantly become faster, but it’s the detail I was missing to feel completely comfortable in the car.”

Looking ahead to 2026

The Argentine’s future at Alpine ultimately depends on the team’s internal strategy. Flavio Briatore has made it clear that the second seat for 2026 will be decided between Franco Colapinto and young talent Paul Aron. This internal battle will test both drivers’ skill and ability to handle pressure, with performance and mental resilience likely to be decisive in securing the long-term seat at Alpine.